WH Acupuncture & Herbs Centre

Clove and Perimmon Calyx Decoction ding xiang shi di tang

[SOURCE]: Treatment Based on Syndrome, Cause and Pulse

[INGREDIENTS]: Cloves 6g,  Perimmon Calyx 9g,  Ginseng 3g,  Fresh ginger 6g

[DIRECTIONS]: Decoct all the herbs in water for oral administration.   

[EFFECTS: Replenishing qi, warming the middle and lowering adverse flow of qi to relieve hiccup. 

[INDICATIONS]: Hiccup due to deficiency-cold of stomach-qi marked by stuffy chest and slow pulse.   

[ANALYSIS OF FORMULA]: It is a common formula for treatment of reversed flow of qi due to deficiency-cold of stomach-qi manifested as hiccup and vomiting. Cloves warms the middle to stop hiccup, and is a key herb for treating vomiting and hiccup due to stomach-cold. Perimmon calyx, being bitter and astringent in flavor and warm in property, is good at relieving hiccup. The combination of these two herbs has the effects of warming the stomach to expel cold and lowering ad­verse flow of qi to stop hiccup. They are used as principal herbs. Ginseng is used as assistant herb to tonify the middle-qi. Fresh ginger as adjuvant herb warms the middle to stop vomiting and harmonizes the stomach to lower adverse flow of qi. 

Today this formula is often used for neurogenic hiccup, obstinate hiccup after abdominal operation with symptoms of reversed flow of qi due to deficiency-cold of stomach-qi. It is contraindicated in cases with hiccup due to stomach-heat, chro­nic illness and qi deficiency after delivery.